NEW HAVEN >> A new engineering report is paving the way for resolution of a partially completed mosque, even as another cease and desist order and then a notice to vacate adds to the large city file on the long-delayed project. The problem remains the height of the two minarets on the mosque at 531 Middletown Ave., which exceed what was approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals 19 months ago.

A stop-work order issued in November over the minarets is now joined by two other violation notices sent to the owners in early June.

One tells the users that a side wall height is out of compliance, the other that there is no temporary certificate of occupancy and they should vacate the premises until the necessary permits are in place.

Despite the escalating orders, Building Official Jim Turcio and Haydar Elevulu, president of the Turkish American Religious Foundation, said they are closer to a resolution than they have ever been. (By Mary O’Leary, New Haven Register)